Speaker Robert Rivas’ appointment of Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez to the California Coastal Commission marks a dramatic change in philosophy as the state land-use agency faces mounting pressure from the Trump administration and legislators up and down California.
California Coastal Commission
Posted inAptos
Rio Del Mar HOA’s fence spar over public walkway expected to go to trial later this year
A long-running dispute over public coastal access in Aptos nears a courtroom resolution, after the Rio Del Mar Beach Island Homeowners Association doubled down in the face of a historic, multimillion-dollar fine from the state for fencing off a public walkway.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Justin Cummings has shored up unparalleled support for a Coastal Commission reappointment. Will it be enough?
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings has unanimous regional support to remain on the powerful California Coastal Commission. But the decision is up to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas — whose political calculations could complicate what looks to many like a clear choice.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Protesters to rally at Coastal Commission meeting in Santa Cruz to block SoCal offshore drilling plans
Protesters are planning a rally outside a California Coastal Commission meeting in Santa Cruz on Wednesday to oppose efforts by a Texas company to restart an offshore oil and gas pipeline in Santa Barbara County a decade after it ruptured, causing a damaging oil spill.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Fear and fallout: California officials scramble to counter Trump’s anti-Coastal Commission agenda
California lawmakers and Coastal Commission officials are taking the Trump administration’s threats seriously, as federal pressure to overhaul the agency could affect Los Angeles wildfire aid. With tensions rising, officials are mobilizing to protect the state’s coastal policies from political interference.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Justin Cummings’ future on powerful Coastal Commission uncertain as Speaker Rivas reopens application process
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings’ future on the California Coastal Commission is uncertain as Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas opens the application process for his seat. With political dynamics at play, Cummings must now reapply for his influential role.
Posted inLatest News
Capitola City Council backs annual wharf fireworks show in permit struggle even as it ignites community debate
The Capitola City Council unanimously voted last week to support the continuation of the Monte Foundation fireworks show in the fall over the wharf.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Wharf collapse raises questions about lawsuits, maintenance and the Coastal Commission
A number of issues have risen from last week’s partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, including questions regarding whether a lawsuit against the city’s Wharf Master Plan contributed to the collapse, deferred maintenance on the structure and California Coastal Commission rules that restrict construction to the winter months.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Justin Cummings picked to lead powerful California Coastal Commission as chair
Justin Cummings, a scientist, former Santa Cruz mayor and current county supervisor, has been named chair of the California Coastal Commission, the powerful state agency that oversees land use and development along the 1,100 miles of California’s coastline.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Coastal Commission says Santa Cruz can move forward with Westside street sweeping program
A new Santa Cruz street sweeping pilot program that threatens to tow cars violating its parking restrictions can move forward following a unanimous vote from the California Coastal Commission.
